Mensch of the Month – Terry Blumenstein

Terry Blumenstein is an unassuming but extremely vital member of our Jewish community. From chairing key committees to serving on the Federation’s Board of Directors, Terry has seen almost every side of our Federation. He has graciously served as Communications Chair, Education Scholarship Chair, Overseas Teen Travel Chair, Finance Committee member and more.

Not only has Terry chaired and participated on committees, he has also made significant changes and additions that will continue to shape the future of our Jewish community. One of the most notable things that Terry accomplished was during his time as Communications Chair, when he completely revamped the production of The Jewish News. The changes that he championed increased the quality of the newspaper, while saving our organization significant dollars.

Terry first appeared on our radar screen when he agreed to participate on a mission to Ethiopia and Israel with our Federation. Good friend and past Federation President, Nelle Miller, was on that mission as well. After returning from that powerful mission, Terry was committed to give back to the Federation and to the Jewish community – he certainly has delivered!

Terry has always had a strong connection to his Jewish roots. His father is a Holocaust survivor, and when Terry was young, he thought that “everyone’s dad was a survivor!” A few weeks after the 1967 war, Terry and his family moved to Israel, where they lived for close to one year. This only helped to strengthen his connection to Israel and the Jewish people. Terry and his family then returned to Canada, where he was raised, educated and ultimately met the love of his life, Eileen. They then moved to Sarasota in 1993 with their first son Sam, and in 1997 Ethan was born.

In addition, Terry is very committed to the Blood Bank, where he is a member of the 26 gallon club, as well as Temple Sinai, where he served as a board member and Vice President of Facilities during the transition from old to new building, and has been on a number of committees. Terry also takes pride in being able to “use his hands.” If a sprinkler head breaks or a ceiling fan needs to be installed, friends call Terry, who comes right over with his well-stocked set of tools. His fee? An ice cold beer when the job is completed.

For all these reasons and so many more, Terry Blumenstein is our mensch of the month. Mazel tov, Terry!